Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic individual to join the Cambridge University Hospitals, Histopathology Department in the Immunohistochemistry area. The department provides a Histopathology and Diagnostic Cytology service for the Cambridgeshire area.
If you like to be busy and enjoy working in a laboratory environment then consider joining our team as a Specialist Biomedical Scientist.
We are moving to a brand new laboratory in 2025 and are looking to expand our workforce significantly before that move.
Cambridge University Hospitals Histopathology department is one of the largest in the country with over 130 non-medical staff supporting over 50 consultant histopathologists. There is site specific reporting and we support many regional and national programmes.
We are looking for people who have a desire for pushing the boundaries of current practice and want to join in a transformational programme of work which will involve adoption of new and innovative technologies and work practices. We have already adopted digital pathology and are looking to capitalise on the opportunities it offers. The department prides itself on staff development and offers many training and education opportunities for staff of all grades.
Main duties of the job
Performs a wide range of routine healthcare science activities, namely related to immunohistochemistry (IHC), able to recognise multiple stains and different human tissues and cellular structures to perform the daily quality control of IHC stained slides. Support junior members of staff, including perform automated staining, process requests, block and slides checking, embedding and microtomy of different tissue types and specimens (biopsies and surgical), prepare antibody solutions, verify new IHC tests, as well as improve current or implement new methods/ protocols, produce tissue control blocks, maintain the equipment and laboratory records updated, and perform stock levels check.
Acts as mentor for more junior scientific and support staff.
Supervises and train less experienced staff in own area of work.
To work flexibly in reflection of service needs this may include an extended working day and/or participation in delivery of a 24 hour, 7 days per week service.
Participate in the on-call service
The work of the service brings staff into constant contact with human body fluids, tissues and hazardous chemicals.
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 12000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 13th May 2024
Interviews are due to be held on 23rd May 2024
Benefits to you
We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse, day nurseries and access to a great transport system with easy access to airports and rail travel.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 13th May 2024
Interviews are due to be held on 23rd May 2024
Benefits to you
We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse, day nurseries and access to a great transport system with easy access to airports and rail travel.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- IBMS Accredited Biomedical Science Degree
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology or equivalent qualifications; or working towards achievement of IBMS Specialist Diploma
Desirable
- Leadership and management qualification
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of working as a Biomedical Scientist in Histopathology
- Significant experience of working in immunohistochemistry
- Experience of working with automated staining platforms
- Experience of training staff in histopathological techniques
Desirable
- Previous relevant experience of working in the NHS
- Able to perform immunohistochemistry quality check
- Previous experience of line managing staff
Knowledge
Essential
- Extensive knowledge of Histopathology procedures
- Demonstrable knowledge of immunohistochemistry procedures
- Knowledge of tissue morphology
- Demonstrable knowledge of Quality Management Systems
- Knowledge of Pathology IT systems
- Understands the role of diagnostic Histopathology in a clinical setting
Skills
Essential
- Good verbal and written communication
- Demonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team and independently
- Able to concentrate for prolonged periods of time
- High degree of manual dexterity to perform complex laboratory tasks
- Able to prioritise and organise workload to meet needs of service
- Able to identify inaccuracies and troubleshoot problems
- Able to supervise and train less experienced staff
- Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines where there are competing demands
Desirable
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- IBMS Accredited Biomedical Science Degree
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- IBMS Specialist Diploma in Cellular Pathology or equivalent qualifications; or working towards achievement of IBMS Specialist Diploma
Desirable
- Leadership and management qualification
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of working as a Biomedical Scientist in Histopathology
- Significant experience of working in immunohistochemistry
- Experience of working with automated staining platforms
- Experience of training staff in histopathological techniques
Desirable
- Previous relevant experience of working in the NHS
- Able to perform immunohistochemistry quality check
- Previous experience of line managing staff
Knowledge
Essential
- Extensive knowledge of Histopathology procedures
- Demonstrable knowledge of immunohistochemistry procedures
- Knowledge of tissue morphology
- Demonstrable knowledge of Quality Management Systems
- Knowledge of Pathology IT systems
- Understands the role of diagnostic Histopathology in a clinical setting
Skills
Essential
- Good verbal and written communication
- Demonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team and independently
- Able to concentrate for prolonged periods of time
- High degree of manual dexterity to perform complex laboratory tasks
- Able to prioritise and organise workload to meet needs of service
- Able to identify inaccuracies and troubleshoot problems
- Able to supervise and train less experienced staff
- Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines where there are competing demands
Desirable
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).